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 Why many quinceaneras are staying true to the tradition of the Mass
With roots as far back as the Aztecs, the religious ceremony for the quinceañera is a long-standing tradition. In pre-Colombian times, a temple celebration with food and dance would prepare young ladies for their role in life.
Even as more quinceañeras are choosing to skip the church, many are staying true to the tradition of the Mass. And non-Catholic quinceañeras are making the spiritual side of their quince important, too.
Their number one reason is to give thanks.
“Of course the mom or the grandmother says you have to have the Mass because it’s important. But some girls really see this as a way to say thanks to God for the gift of life,” said Esperanza Monterrubio, associate director of Continuing Christian Education with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
As Iliana Galeana, a recent quinceañera, put it: “I wanted to give thanks to God for my life and just appreciate what he has given me and his blessings.”
For Aiza GarcÃa, her quinceaños wouldn’t be the same without the Mass.
“If I had to pick, I would prefer to have the Mass than the dance because it’s more important to have the Mass than dance with friends. The Lord comes first,” said GarcÃa.
She explained that with the Mass she could share her quinceaños with all of her family, and with other quinceañeras, too.
Like Aiza’s parish, many churches only have a group Mass for quinceañeras because of restraints of time and resources. Some quinceañeras search for a church that allows a private Mass. But for others, the group Mass has an additional benefit because it is another way for the whole community to come together.
Monterrubio explained that the Mass is also a way for the quinceañera to commit herself to her faith and ask for guidance as she enters a new stage in life.
Non-Catholic quinceañeras also include a religious celebration. For example, their pastor may give a blessing or they light a unity candle with their parents.
Many churches have certain guidelines for quinceañeras. For example, Aiza and Iliana, who celebrated a quinceaños Mass with two other girls, went to three classes at their church and had a church practice with their parents, padrinos and court. Other churches require scheduling a year in advance, mother-daughter retreats, community service and/or enrollment in religious education classes.
Laura Isensee is Houston-based reporter. Her work has appeared in the Houston Chronicle’s This Week, the award-winning Spanish daily RUMBO and Quincegirl.com. Ms. Isensee is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where she studied Spanish and wrote for The Daily Texan. |
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